Cancer Genetics Program

The Cancer Genetics Program offers cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling to help determine if your personal or family cancer history is due to an inherited susceptibility. Genetic counselors work closely with specialists at the Breast Cancer Program and the Gynecologic Cancer Program to ensure you receive individualized, comprehensive care.

Based on the information you provide, our genetic counselor will:

discuss your risk of developing breast cancer or gynecologic cancer and will

Who the Cancer Genetics Program Helps

People who are concerned about their personal or family cancer history may benefit from genetic counseling. The program helps you and your physicians make informed decisions about your health care based on risk assessment and, in some cases, genetic test results.

If you have been recently diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer, then your surgeon or oncologist may refer you to the Cancer Genetics Program to aid in developing a treatment plan or to provide information about future cancer risks for you and your family members.

If a family member has been recently diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer, then you may schedule an appointment with counselors at the Cancer Genetics Program to determine if your family history puts you at risk for developing one of these cancers.

The program may also be helpful for:

people who have been diagnosed with any cancer prior to the age of 45

people with two or more close relatives on the same side of the family with the same or related cancers diagnosed before the age of 50

people who have had more than one type of cancer

people with rare types of cancer

families that have a known cancer gene mutation

Based on the risk assessment and the counseling session, screening guidelines will be reviewed and genetic testing may be offered.